Ezekiel 21:31

KJV

And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, [and] skilful to destroy.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will pour out {H8210} mine indignation {H2195} upon thee, I will blow {H6315} against thee in the fire {H784} of my wrath {H5678}, and deliver {H5414} thee into the hand {H3027} of brutish {H1197} men {H582}, and skilful {H2796} to destroy {H4889}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will pour my fury out on you, breathe on you with the fire of my rage, and hand you over to barbarous men highly skilled in destruction.

Berean Standard Bible

I will pour out My anger upon you; I will breathe the fire of My fury against you; I will hand you over to brutal men, skilled in destruction.

American Standard Version

And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee; I will blow upon thee with the fire of my wrath; and I will deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, skilful to destroy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 21:31 is a potent declaration of God's unyielding judgment against the Ammonites, a nation that consistently opposed Israel. It vividly portrays divine wrath as an active, consuming force, emphasizing God's sovereign control over the instruments of His justice. The verse underscores that even ruthless, destructive human agents are ultimately employed by God to execute His righteous indignation, highlighting the inescapable consequences for those who persist in rebellion and hostility against His purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 21, often called the "Prophecy of the Sword," is a chilling oracle detailing God's judgment, primarily against Jerusalem and Judah. The chapter begins with the Lord's "sharpened sword" poised to strike the land of Israel ([Ezekiel 21:3](/ezekiel/21-3 "Ezekiel 21:3 - God's Sword Against Israel")). After addressing the house of Israel and their leaders (Ezekiel 21:1-27), the prophetic focus shifts in verses 28-32 to the Ammonites. This transition highlights that God's judgment is not confined to His own people but extends to all nations that defy Him, especially those who gloat over Israel's suffering. The verse immediately preceding [Ezekiel 21:31](/ezekiel/21-31 "Ezekiel 21:31 - God's Wrath on Ammon") speaks of the Ammonites' false visions and lying divinations, setting the stage for the specific pronouncement of their doom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Ammonites were a Semitic people, descendants of Ben-Ammi, Lot's son (as seen in [Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Ben-Ammi, Father of the Ammonites")), who inhabited the land east of the Jordan River. They were perennial adversaries of Israel, frequently engaging in conflict and exhibiting deep-seated hostility (e.g., [Judges 10:6-9](/judges/10-6 "Judges 10:6-9 - Ammonite Oppression")). During the Babylonian invasions of Judah, the Ammonites, rather than showing solidarity, rejoiced at Jerusalem's downfall and even participated in the plundering, believing their own nation was secure. Their capital, Rabbah (modern Amman), was a significant regional center. The imagery of "brutish men" and "skilful to destroy" likely refers to the Babylonian forces under Nebuchadnezzar, who, though acting out of their own imperial ambitions, were unknowingly serving as God's instruments of judgment against both Judah and surrounding nations like Ammon.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader prophetic literature. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating that God is the ultimate ruler over all nations and their destinies. Even the actions of hostile empires like Babylon are orchestrated by Him to fulfill His purposes, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - Assyria as God's Rod"). Another prominent theme is **God's Righteous Judgment and Wrath**. The language of "indignation" and "fire of my wrath" underscores that God's anger is not arbitrary but a just response to sin, rebellion, and the malicious gloating of the Ammonites over His chosen people. Finally, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Persistent Rebellion**. The Ammonites' unrepentant hostility and idolatry lead to their inevitable destruction, serving as a stark warning that God's patience has limits and His justice will ultimately prevail against all who oppose Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Indignation (Hebrew, _zaʻam'_):** This term (H2195) denotes a strong, vehement displeasure or fury, specifically associated with God's righteous anger against sin. It implies a deep, moral outrage and a just wrath, not a capricious outburst. In this context, it signifies the profound displeasure God feels towards the Ammonites' persistent rebellion and their malicious joy over Judah's destruction.
* **Brutish (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** Derived from H1197, this word describes those who are senseless, ignorant, or animal-like in their understanding and behavior. It suggests a lack of moral discernment, restraint, or compassion. When applied to the "men" God uses, it emphasizes their ruthless, unthinking, and destructive nature, making them perfectly suited as instruments of severe judgment.
* **Skilful (Hebrew, _chârâsh'_):** This word (H2796) refers to a fabricator or artificer, someone adept or proficient in a craft. Here, it implies that the "men" are not merely destructive but are highly effective and competent in their work of ruin. They are not haphazard in their violence but possess a deadly proficiency "to destroy," fulfilling God's specific purpose of devastation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee":** This clause reveals God's active and direct involvement in the judgment. The imagery of "pouring out" suggests an abundant, unrestrained, and unavoidable outpouring of His intense, righteous wrath (H2195, _zaʻam'_), specifically directed at the Ammonites. It signifies a complete and overwhelming release of divine displeasure.
* **"I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath":** This powerful metaphor intensifies the previous statement. "Blow" (H6315, _pûwach'_) combined with "fire" (H784, _ʼêsh'_) and "wrath" (H5678, _ʻebrâh'_) depicts God's judgment as an all-consuming, unquenchable inferno. It evokes the image of a furnace or forge, where intense heat purifies or utterly consumes, emphasizing the destructive and purifying nature of God's judgment.
* **"and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men":** Here, God declares His sovereign act of "delivering" (H5414, _nâthan'_) or handing over the Ammonites. The phrase "into the hand" (H3027, _yâd'_) signifies being placed under the power and control of another. The instruments of this judgment are described as "brutish men" (H1197, _bâʻar'_ and H582, _ʼĕnôwsh'_), emphasizing their lack of reason, compassion, and their animalistic ferocity in executing destruction.
* **"[and] skilful to destroy":** This final phrase elaborates on the nature of these "brutish men." They are not merely destructive but are "skilful" (H2796, _chârâsh'_) and proficient in their capacity "to destroy" (H4889, _mashchîyth'_). This highlights their effectiveness and the thoroughness with which they will execute God's judgment, ensuring complete ruin for the Ammonites.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 21:31 is rich in **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human actions and emotions to God. Phrases like "I will pour out" and "I will blow against thee" vividly portray God as an active agent in judgment, making His wrath tangible and immediate. The verse also employs potent **Imagery** and **Metaphor**, most notably "the fire of my wrath." This metaphor depicts divine judgment not as a distant decree but as an intense, consuming, and purifying blaze, akin to a furnace that utterly destroys what is cast into it. The description of the instruments of judgment as "brutish men, and skilful to destroy" uses **Personification** and **Hyperbole** to emphasize their ruthless efficiency and the comprehensive nature of the impending devastation. The overall tone is one of stark **Divine Declaration**, leaving no doubt about the source and certainty of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's righteous character, which encompasses both boundless love and unyielding justice. While God is "slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love" ([Psalm 145:8](/psalm/145-8 "Psalm 145:8 - God's Compassion")), He is also a God who will not tolerate unrepentant sin indefinitely. His "indignation" and "wrath" are not capricious outbursts but a holy response to persistent rebellion, idolatry, and hostility against His people and His moral order. The fact that God "delivers" the Ammonites into the hands of "brutish men, and skilful to destroy" demonstrates His absolute sovereignty over all nations and even over the wicked actions of humanity. He uses even those who are morally corrupt to achieve His divine purposes, ensuring that justice is ultimately served and His name is glorified. This serves as a sobering reminder that all nations are accountable to the Creator and that defiance of His will carries severe consequences.

* [Romans 1:18](/romans/1-18 "Romans 1:18 - God's Wrath Revealed"): "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."
* [Isaiah 10:5](/isaiah/10-5 "Isaiah 10:5 - Assyria, God's Rod"): "O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation."
* [Nahum 1:2-8](/nahum/1-2 "Nahum 1:2-8 - God's Vengeance and Wrath"): "God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked..."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 21:31, though a prophecy of ancient judgment, offers timeless truths for reflection and application today. It calls us to a profound reverence for God's holiness and justice, reminding us that His character is not solely defined by love and mercy, but also by righteous indignation against sin. This understanding should cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord, prompting us to examine our own lives for areas of unrepentant rebellion or hostility towards God's ways. Furthermore, the verse highlights God's ultimate sovereignty, even in the midst of chaos and destruction. It assures us that no event, no matter how brutal or senseless it may seem from a human perspective, falls outside of God's overarching plan. This can bring comfort in turbulent times, knowing that God remains on His throne, orchestrating even the actions of "brutish men" to fulfill His purposes. Ultimately, this passage serves as a powerful call to repentance, urging us to turn from our sin and seek the abundant mercy and grace that God freely offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's righteous wrath, as depicted in this verse, deepen my appreciation for His mercy and grace?**
* **In what ways might God be using difficult circumstances, or even challenging people, as instruments in my life or in the world today to accomplish His purposes?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the long-term consequences of unrepentant rebellion against God's will, both for individuals and for nations?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "brutish men, and skilful to destroy" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly name them, the most likely historical candidates are the Babylonian forces under King Nebuchadnezzar. Throughout the book of Ezekiel and other prophetic books, God consistently uses powerful empires like Babylon as His instruments to execute judgment on nations, including Judah and its neighbors. These forces were indeed "brutish" in their methods, known for their ruthlessness and lack of compassion, and "skilful to destroy" given their military prowess and effectiveness in conquering and devastating cities and lands, as seen in their siege of Jerusalem described in [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem").

**Is God's wrath arbitrary or unjust?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The Bible consistently portrays God's wrath as a righteous and holy response to sin, rebellion, and ungodliness, never as an arbitrary outburst. In the context of Ezekiel 21, God's indignation is directed at the Ammonites for their persistent hostility towards His people and their gloating over Jerusalem's destruction. This wrath is a manifestation of His perfect justice, ensuring that sin does not go unpunished and that His moral order is upheld. It is a just consequence for unrepentant evil, as indicated in passages like [Romans 2:5-6](/romans/2-5 "Romans 2:5-6 - God's Righteous Judgment").

**How can a God of love also be a God of such fierce wrath?**

Answer: The Bible presents God as perfectly holy, just, and loving. These attributes are not contradictory but complementary. God's love is demonstrated in His patience and His desire for all to repent and live ([Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God Desires Repentance")). However, His holiness demands that sin be addressed. His wrath is the active expression of His opposition to all that is unholy and unrighteous. It is because He is perfectly loving that He must also be perfectly just, and therefore, His wrath is directed at anything that harms His creation or defies His perfect will. The ultimate demonstration of both His love and His justice is found in the cross of Christ, where His wrath against sin was poured out on His Son, making a way for humanity to receive His love and mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 21:31, with its stark imagery of divine indignation and consuming wrath, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "fire of my wrath" that God promised to pour out upon rebellious nations was, in a cosmic sense, poured out upon His own Son on the cross. Jesus, the innocent [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's righteous indignation against humanity's sin, becoming a curse for us ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ absorbed the judgment that we, like the Ammonites in our rebellion, justly deserved, thereby offering an escape from the "hand of brutish men" – the spiritual forces of destruction and the ultimate judgment of God. His resurrection demonstrates His triumph over these destructive powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). For those who believe in Him, the wrath of God has been appeased, and they are reconciled to God, no longer facing the terrifying prospect of divine judgment but rather receiving eternal life and peace ([Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9 "Romans 5:9-10 - Justified by His Blood")). Thus, Ezekiel 21:31, while a terrifying prophecy of judgment, ultimately points to the glorious provision of salvation found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's justice and opened the way for mercy.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 7:8

Now will I shortly pour out my fury upon thee, and accomplish mine anger upon thee: and I will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense thee for all thine abominations.

Nahum 1:6

Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him.

Haggai 1:9

Ye looked for much, and, lo, [it came] to little; and when ye brought [it] home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that [is] waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.

Isaiah 30:33

For Tophet [is] ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made [it] deep [and] large: the pile thereof [is] fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.

Jeremiah 6:22

Thus saith the LORD, Behold, a people cometh from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the sides of the earth.

Jeremiah 6:23

They shall lay hold on bow and spear; they [are] cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roareth like the sea; and they ride upon horses, set in array as men for war against thee, O daughter of Zion.

Psalms 18:15

Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.